Sign in
Privacy and conviviality
Lao Qi first thought about a strategic location. "The hotel is located not far form the airport. It's very close to Houhai and Drum Tower areas, and 15 minutes from Sanlitun", he explains. The hotel manager also chose the decoration that he wanted: "simple, traditional and refined." The challenge has been fulfilled. Bright and individual, the rooms are displayed according to thematic colours that we can find in the big varnished wooden panels placed above the beds, along with monochrome wallpaper, mosaics in the bathroom, and also in the traditional Chinese furniture (which is availiable for purchase). The beds are also different, with sizes depending on the room (futon, twin beds, or King Size), and are covered with comfortable sheets. A few pieces of art, faded grey bricks, a light wooden floorboard, a large glassy roof, red and green doorframes, all bring Courtel charm from a bygone era.
Another particularity is that besides the fact that the hotel has suites (all have a fully equipped kitchen, a dining-room and a living-room, a shower or a bathtub), this hotel also has two neat dormitories, one for men, one for women, with 10 and 8 bunk-beds respectively. "I want to attract all types of clients: from the backpackers through to the luxury traveller," Qi says. "The architecture has been designed to ensure everyone's privacy. Each guest can also order room service from their own courtyards," he adds. The hotel is also good for socializing in. A communal and minimalist "business room" consisting of a long wooden table surrounded by 2 benches (internet enabled), was built in the middle of one the courtyards. Another "chill out room" allows clients to relax or to enjoy the rooftop view.
For now, the owner plans to go carry out a few modifications after useful comments from his friends, relatives and customers passing by. "We can solve any problems before we welcome our first guests," he adds modestly.
Anyway, the fourteen almost bilingual employees will be ready at the official opening planned in November. "Once the business is on track, I'm going to start devoting more time to my wife and my child again," he declares. "And maybe, I'll take them to a bar to celebrate it," he jokes.
Courtel : 北京院子酒店) : N° 8 Andingmen Xidajie (South-West of Andingmen) Dongcheng District. 安定门西大街８号(安定桥西南角). Tel : 010-6407-6799. Dormitory: from 128 RMB per night. Doubles room prices vary from 1280 to 2280 RMB. The suites are available from 3680 to 3880 RMB (prices can change).
To contact the hotel : Hotels in Beijing .
Text : Aurélie Palancher - Photos : Wang Zhuo
